Configurable hearing device for use with an assistive listening system

ABSTRACT

A hearing device adapted for use by a wearer comprises an audio streaming circuit configured to receive electromagnetic audio streaming via a first communication link. A configuration circuit is configured to receive configuration parameters via a second communication link different from the first communication link for configuring the hearing device to receive the electromagnetic audio streaming. Control circuitry of the hearing device configures the hearing device to enable reception of the electromagnetic audio streaming in accordance with the received configuration parameters.

RELATED PATENT DOCUMENTS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/342,877, filed Nov. 3, 2016, which is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This application relates generally to hearing devices that interact withassistive listening systems.

BACKGROUND

Portable electronic devices that incorporate transceivers communicatingusing standardized protocols such as Bluetooth® over wirelesscommunication links continue to gain in popularity. Hearing instruments,for example, may incorporate such wireless technology to allow thehearing instrument to communicate with other devices. For example, thehearing instrument may receive audio from a transceiver which isconnected to a television or a radio. This audio may be reproduced bythe speaker of the hearing instrument, hereby allowing the wearer tohear the audio source without having to disturb others by turning up thevolume on the audio source.

SUMMARY

Various embodiments are directed to a hearing device adapted for use bya wearer. The hearing device comprises an audio streaming circuitconfigured to receive electromagnetic audio streaming via a firstcommunication link. A configuration circuit is configured to receiveconfiguration parameters via a second communication link different fromthe first communication link for configuring the hearing device toreceive the electromagnetic audio streaming. Control circuitry of thehearing device configures the hearing device to enable reception of theelectromagnetic audio streaming in accordance with the receivedconfiguration parameters.

Other embodiments are directed to a method of communications for ahearing device configured for use by a wearer. The method involvesreceiving electromagnetic audio streaming by the hearing device via afirst communication link. The method also involves receivingconfiguration parameters by the hearing device via a secondcommunication link different from the first communication link. Themethod further involves configuring the hearing device to enablereception of the electromagnetic audio streaming in accordance with thereceived configuration parameters.

The above summary is not intended to describe each disclosed embodimentor every implementation of the present disclosure. The figures and thedetailed description below more particularly exemplify illustrativeembodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Throughout the specification reference is made to the appended drawingswherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a venue equipped with assistive listening systemsthat support concurrent transmission of audio programming for receptionby a multiplicity of assistive listening devices, such as hearingdevices, in accordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 2 illustrates a venue equipped with an assistive listening systemthat supports transmission of audio programming or communication forreception by an assistive listening device, such as hearing device, inaccordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of a method for communicating with a hearingdevice in accordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of a method for communicating with a hearingdevice in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of a method for communicating with a hearingdevice in accordance with other embodiments;

FIG. 6A illustrates hearing devices configured to enable reception of aselected audio stream from a multiplicity of audio streams within amulticast environment in accordance with various embodiments;

FIGS. 6B and 6C illustrate audio packets that include a programidentifier for transmitting modified broadcasts at a multicast venue inaccordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 7A is a block diagram of a hearing device configured to receiveaudio streaming containing a program identifier in accordance withvarious embodiments;

FIG. 7B is a block diagram of the communication circuitry shown in FIG.7A in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 8 shows a portable communication device configured to cooperatewith a hearing device to enable reception of a specified audio stream bythe hearing device in accordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 9 illustrates a hearing device that can receive configurationparameters from a beacon situated at a multicast venue in accordancewith various embodiments;

FIG. 10 illustrates a venue in which communication between a hearingdevice and an audio or program source is secured using a cryptographickey acquired by the hearing device via an out of band communication linkin accordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 11 illustrates a hearing device configured to communicate with anaudio streaming system in accordance with various embodiments; and

FIG. 12 illustrates an embodiment in which a smartphone serves as anintermediary device for transmitting a cryptographic key from an audiostreaming system to a hearing device in accordance with variousembodiments.

The figures are not necessarily to scale. Like numbers used in thefigures refer to like components. However, it will be understood thatthe use of a number to refer to a component in a given figure is notintended to limit the component in another figure labeled with the samenumber.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It is understood that the embodiments described herein may be used withany hearing device without departing from the scope of this disclosure.The devices depicted in the figures are intended to demonstrate thesubject matter, but not in a limited, exhaustive, or exclusive sense. Itis also understood that the present subject matter can be used with adevice designed for use in or on the right ear or the left ear or bothears of the wearer.

Embodiments of the disclosure are directed to hearing devices configuredto connect with and receive streaming audio from an audio source, suchas an assistive listening system. Embodiments are directed to hearingdevices that can be configured to receive streaming audio via a firstcommunication link in response to receiving configuration parameters viaa second communication link different from the first communication link.In some embodiments, a hearing device is configured to enable receptionof a particular audio stream of a multiplicity of audio streams via afirst communication link using configuration parameters comprising anaudio stream identifier received via a second communication link. Inother embodiments, a hearing device is configured to enable reception ofaudio streaming via a secured first communication link in response toreceiving a cryptographic key via a second communication link. Accordingto embodiments of the disclosure, the first communication link is along-range link and the second communication link is a short-range link.

The term hearing devices refers to a wide variety of devices that canaid a person with impaired hearing. Hearing devices of the presentdisclosure include hearables (e.g., wearable earphones, headphones,virtual reality headsets), hearing aids (e.g., hearing instruments),cochlear implants, and bone-conduction devices, for example. Hearingdevices include, but are not limited to, behind-the-ear (BTE),in-the-ear (ITE), in-the-canal (ITC), receiver-in-canal (RIC),receiver-in-the-ear (RITE) or completely-in-the-canal (CIC) type hearingdevices. Hearing devices can also be referred to as assistive listeningdevices in the context of assistive listening systems. Throughout thisdisclosure, reference is made to a “hearing device,” which is understoodto refer to a single hearing device or a pair of hearing devices.

Hearing devices can include a housing or shell within which variousinternal components are disposed. Typical internal components of ahearing device can include a signal processor, memory, power managementcircuitry, one or more communication devices, one or more antennas, oneor more microphones, and a receiver/speaker, for example. Hearingdevices can incorporate a communication device, such as a Bluetooth®transceiver, which can provide for enhanced connectivity with assistivelistening systems. Embodiments of the disclosure are directed to hearingdevices configured to interact with external audio systems, such asassistive listening systems.

Wireless assistive listening systems are useful in a variety ofsituations and venues where listening by persons with impaired hearinghave difficulty discerning sound (e.g., a person speaking or an audiobroadcast or presentation). Wireless assistive listening systems can beuseful at venues such as theaters, museums, convention centers, musichalls, classrooms, restaurants, conference rooms, bank teller stationsor drive-up windows, point-of-purchase locations, and other private andpublic meeting places. Conventional assistive listening systems canemploy a variety of technologies to communicate audio signals from asource to an assistive listening device (e.g., a hearable or hearingaid) including frequency modulation (FM) transmission, infrared (IR)transmission, and induction loop (IL) transmission, for example. Thecost of conventional assistive listening systems can be appreciable.Hearing devices of the present disclosure can be used with assistivelistening systems of reduced complexity and cost.

FIG. 1 illustrates a venue 100 equipped with assistive listening systemsthat support concurrent transmission of audio programming for receptionby a multiplicity of assistive listening devices, such as hearingdevices. The venue 100 shown in FIG. 1 is generally representative of amulticast environment in which a multiplicity of audio programs aretransmitted within specified rooms or regions for reception by assistivelistening devices positioned within such specified rooms or regions. Thevenue 100, which can represent a theater for example, includes a numberof rooms 102 within which an audio program (e.g., a movie soundtrack) isbeing transmitted. In each room 102 (Rooms 1-6), a particular audioprogram (P1-P6) is transmitted, which produces an audio field 104 thatencompasses each room 102. It is noted that the term multicast isintended to refer to either secured or unsecured multicasting. Someembodiments of the disclosure are directed to unsecured multicasting orbroadcasting while others are directed to secured multicasting orbroadcasting.

As is shown in FIG. 1, the audio field 104 associated with each of theaudio programs can extend beyond the confines of the room 102 withinwhich the audio program is transmitted. For example, transmission ofaudio program P1 within Room 1 results in an audio field 104-1 thatencompasses Room 1 but also extends into neighboring Room 2.Transmission of audio program P2 within Room 2, for example, results inan audio field 104-2 that encompasses Room 2 but also extends intoneighboring Rooms 1 and 3. In a multicast venue 100 such as that shownin FIG. 1, an assistive listening device, such as a hearing device, canbe exposed to a multiplicity of extraneous audio fields in addition to aselected audio field. Without the ability to appropriately discernbetween competing audio fields (e.g., fields 104-1, 104-2, 104-3), ahearing device or other assistive listening device may be unable toreliably select a desired audio program between competing audio programsfor playback to the user of the hearing device or other assistivelistening device.

Moreover, a multicast environment of the type depicted in FIG. 1complicates the ability to limit reception of an audio program broadcastto only authorized assistive listening devices (e.g., hearing devices).For example, and with reference to FIG. 1, reception of audio program P6should be limited to reception by hearing devices of wearers who havepaid for the presentation of audio program P6. The wearer of a hearingdevice who has paid for presentation of audio program P3 should bepermitted to listen to audio program P3, but prevented from receivingaudio program P6 and other audio programs broadcast at the venue 100.Embodiments of the disclosure are directed to hearing devices thatprovide for reception of specified streaming audio to the exclusion ofother streaming audio transmitted within a multicast environment.

FIG. 2 illustrates a venue 200 within which a number of differentportable communication devices 206 are carried or worn by a multiplicityof persons. The portable communication devices 206 can include hearingdevices (e.g., HD_(A), HD_(B)) as well as other types of portablecommunication devices (e.g., PD_(A), PD_(B)), such as smartphones andtablets. In the representative venue 200 shown in FIG. 2, each of theportable communication devices 206 is positioned within an audio field204 produced by an audio or program source 202. In some scenarios, theaudio/program source 202 can transmit an audio program or an audio/videoprogram, for example. In other scenarios, the audio/program source 202transmits an audio stream in the form of human voice sounds, such asvoice sounds produced by a teller at a bank or a vendor at a kiosk, forexample.

In the environment illustrated in FIG. 2, it may be desirable toestablish a secured communication link between the audio/program source202 and one or more of the portable communication devices 206. Forexample, the wearer of a hearing device, HD_(A), may wish to communicateconfidential information to a bank teller via the audio/program source202 located at the bank. Because other portable communication devices206 can be exposed to the same audio field 204 as the wearer of thehearing device, HD_(A), it would be desirable that the wearer's hearingdevice, HD_(A), but not other portable communication devices 206 withinthe audio field 204, be enabled to receive and reproduce the audiostream transmitted by the audio/program source 202. Moreover, it wouldbe desirable that the mechanism to establish a secured communicationlink between the wearer's hearing device, HD_(A), and the audio/programsource 202 involve a communication link (e.g., a short-range link)different from that used to produce the audio field 204.

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of a method for communicating with a hearingdevice in accordance with various embodiments. The method shown in FIG.3 is particularly well-suited for providing selective and/or securedcommunication between an audio/program source and a hearing device inaccordance with the representative scenarios shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 (andother scenarios). The method illustrated in FIG. 3 involves receiving302 electromagnetic (EM) audio streaming by a hearing device via a firstcommunication link. The method also involves receiving 304 configurationparameters by the hearing device via a second communication link whichis different from the first communication link. The method furtherinvolves configuring 306 the hearing device to enable reception of theaudio streaming in accordance with the received configurationparameters.

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of a method of communicating with a hearingdevice in accordance with other embodiments. The method shown in FIG. 4is well-suited for providing communication between a hearing device anda selected one of a multiplicity of audio streams available at amulticast venue (e.g., see FIG. 1). The method illustrated in FIG. 4involves multicasting 402, at a venue, a multiplicity of audio streamseach containing a predetermined program identifier (ID). The methodinvolves acquiring 404, by a hearing device via an out of band link,configuration parameters including the predetermined ID associated withthe selected audio stream. The method also involves configuring 406 thehearing device to enable reception of the selected audio stream usingthe configuration parameters. The method further involves receiving 408the selected audio stream by the hearing device and playing back theaudio stream to the wearer of the hearing device. According to someembodiments, the method also involves expiring 410 the predetermined IDafter completion of the audio stream playback or in response to anexpiration event.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of a method of communicating with a hearingdevice in accordance with further embodiments. The method shown in FIG.5 is well-suited for providing secure communication between a hearingdevice and an audio/program source (e.g., see FIG. 2). The methodillustrated in FIG. 5 involves acquiring 502, by a hearing device via anout of band link, configuration parameters including a link key. Themethod involves encrypting 504, by a source, an audio stream using thelink key and transmitting the encrypted audio stream. The method alsoinvolves configuring 506 the hearing device to decrypt the encryptedaudio stream using the configuration parameters. The method furtherinvolves receiving and decrypting 508 the encrypted audio stream by thehearing device, and playing back the decrypted audio stream to thewearer of the hearing device. According to some embodiments, the methodalso involves expiring 510 the link key after completion of audio streamplayback or in response to an expiration event.

FIGS. 6A-10 illustrate hearing devices configured to enable reception ofa selected audio stream from a multiplicity of audio streams within amulticast environment in accordance with various embodiments. FIG. 6Ashows a representative multicast venue 600 which, for purposes ofsimplicity, includes two rooms 602 within which separate audio programs606 and 608 are concurrently presented. It is understood that, in somescenarios, the rooms 602 can be separated by walls or othervertical/blocking structures. In other scenarios, the rooms 602 candefine spatially separated regions with no walls or partial wallsseparating adjacent regions, such as booths within a convention center.The venue 600 can be a theater, a convention center, or other publicvenue which includes a number of spatially separated rooms or regions602.

A specified audio or audio/video presentation is broadcast in each room602 for reception by hearing devices 615 worn by persons standing orsitting within the respective rooms 602. For example, a first audioprogram 606 is broadcast in Room 1, which generates an audio field 604-1that encompasses Room 1 and at least a portion of neighboring Room 2. Asecond audio program 608 is broadcast in Room 2, which generates anaudio field 604-2 that encompasses Room 2 and at least a portion of Room1. It is understood that the multicast environment 600 shown in FIG. 6Acan include any number of rooms or regions 602 and any number ofcompeting and/or overlapping audio fields 604.

In the illustrative scenario shown in FIG. 6A, a wearer of a firsthearing device, HD_(A), wishes to listen to the first audio program 606in Room 1, while a wearer of a second hearing device, HD_(B), wishes tolisten to the second audio program 608 in Room 2. For example, eachhearing device wearer may have purchased a movie ticket with theexpectation of listing only to a movie soundtrack specific to Room 1 orRoom 2. Because the audio fields 604-1 and 604-2 extend beyond theconfines of Rooms 1 and 2, is possible for the hearing devices HD_(A)and HD_(B) to receive and playback the movie soundtrack from aneighboring room, which would clearly be undesirable. As anotherexample, a theater owner has the expectation that moviegoers willpurchase a movie ticket to enjoy a particular movie in a particulartheater specified by the movie ticket, and not a different moviepresented in a different theater either concurrently or at a differenttime.

Embodiments of the hearing devices 615 shown in FIGS. 6A-10 can beconfigured to enable reception of a specified audio stream to theexclusion of other audio streams being broadcasted at a multicast venueconcurrently or at different times. Embodiments of the hearing devices615 shown in FIGS. 6A-10 can be configured to receive a specified audiostream from an audio streaming source without having to pair with theaudio streaming source. For example, communication links establishedbetween hearing devices 615 and audio streaming sources at a multicastvenue need not be secured links. Embodiments of the hearing devices 615shown in FIGS. 6A-10 can obviate the need for a complex pairingprocedure while providing the capability to receive a specified audiostream from a multiplicity of competing audio streams at a multicastvenue. It is understood that pairing and secured links can be utilizedin some embodiments.

As is shown in FIG. 6A, the first audio program 606 (P1) is broadcastedin Room 1 at the multicast venue 600, and the second audio program 608(P2) is broadcasted in neighboring Room 2. In accordance with variousembodiments, the first audio program 606 is considered a modified audioprogram or broadcast, in that a program ID (P1 _(ID)) has beenincorporated in the first audio program P1. The second audio program 608is considered a modified audio program or broadcast, in that a programID (P2 _(ID)) has been incorporated in the second audio program P2. FIG.6B is a representative example of the modified program 606 (P1+P1 _(ID))in accordance with various embodiments. In this illustrative embodiment,the program P1 represents a packetized audio stream comprising audiopackets 620. The program P1 is modified by the audio streaming source toinclude a program ID, P1 _(ID), which can be inserted in the header ofeach of the packets 620, for example. The program P2 represents apacketized audio stream comprising audio packets 630. The program P2 ismodified by the audio streaming source to include a program ID, P2_(ID), which can be inserted in the header of each of the packets 630.It is noted that a program ID can uniquely identify a specific audioprogram, a specific transmitter (audio streaming source), or a specificaudio program and a specific transmitter.

A configuration parameters source 610 is preferably situated at themulticast venue 600. For example, the configuration parameters source610 can be an electronic device situated in the lobby of the venue 600,at the entrance or door of a specific room 602, within a specific room602 or other location at the venue 600. The configuration parameterssource 610, embodiments of which are described herein below, isconfigured to interact with hearing devices 615 at the venue 600directly or indirectly (e.g., via a smartphone or a neck-worncommunicator). According to various embodiments, each of the hearingdevices 615 communicates directly or indirectly with the configurationparameters source 610 via a second communication link (e.g., an out ofband link) distinct from a first communication link used by the hearingdevices 615 for receiving audio streaming from an audio streamingsource. For example, a hearing device 615 can communicate directly orindirectly with the configuration parameters source 610 via ashort-range link, which may be an unsecured (but range-limited) orsecured link. Configuration parameters received from the configurationparameters source 610 can enable the hearing device 615 to receive audiostreaming from an audio streaming source via a long-range link. In someimplementations, the close proximity between the hearing devices and theconfiguration parameters source 610 provides sufficient security againsteavesdropping that obviates the need for a secured link there between.In other implementations, a secured link can be established between thehearing devices and the configuration parameters source 610 to preventeavesdropping.

As is shown in FIG. 6A, a hearing device HD_(A) interacts directly orindirectly with the configuration parameters source 610 to obtainconfiguration parameters including the program ID (P1 _(ID)) associatedwith the first audio program 606 (P 1) scheduled for broadcasting inRoom 1. In addition to the program ID, the configuration parameters caninclude one or more of a transmitter address or frequency, channelhopping sequence, and connection interval, etc. In response to receivingthe configuration parameters, the hearing device HD_(A) is configured toestablish a communication link with the audio streaming source for Room1, preferably without having to pair with the audio streaming source.The hearing device HD_(A) is also configured to detect the program ID P1_(ID) in the audio stream packets that are received by the hearingdevice HD_(A). As such, the hearing device HD_(A) is enabled to detectand receive the modified broadcast P1+P1 _(ID), while ignoring othermodified broadcasts (e.g., P2+P2 _(ID)) at the multicast venue 600. In asimilar manner, the hearing device HD_(B) is configured to detect theprogram ID P2 _(ID) in the audio stream packets that are received by thehearing device HD_(B). Accordingly, the hearing device HD_(B) is enabledto detect and receive the modified broadcast P2+P2 _(ID), while ignoringother modified broadcasts (e.g., P1+P1 _(ID)) at the multicast venue600.

FIG. 7A is a block diagram of a hearing device configured to receiveaudio streaming containing a program ID in accordance with variousembodiments. The hearing device 702 shown in FIG. 7A is configured tocommunicate with an audio streaming source 730 via a first communicationlink 732. The first communication link 732 is considered a long-rangelink capable of wirelessly coupling the hearing device 702 with an audiostreaming source at a public or private venue. Depending on the venue,the first communication link 732 can have a range of tens, hundreds, orthousands of feet, for example. The first communication link 732 can bea link in compliance with various standards, including IEEE 802.11(e.g., WiFi®) and Bluetooth®. Bluetooth® 5.0, for example, specifies afour-fold increase in range, a two-fold increase in speed, and aneight-fold increase in data broadcasting capacity over a Bluetooth® 4.2standard. The first communication link 732 can be a high frequency linkcapable of off body communications such as a 900 MHz or 2.4 GHz link.

In some embodiments, the first communication link 732 is a Bluetooth®Low Energy (BLE) link configured or adapted to support audio streaming.Various known techniques can be used to enable audio streaming via a BLElink that complies with Bluetooth® 4.2 core specifications. It isanticipated that future BLE specifications will directly support audiostreaming without the need for special or proprietary protocols. It isalso anticipated that future BLE specifications will support a largenumber of data channels, such as in excess of 20 or 30 (e.g., 37) datachannels, thereby providing for an enhanced multicasting capability.

The hearing device 702 shown in FIG. 7A is also configured tocommunicate with a configuration parameters source 720 via a secondcommunication link 722. The second communication link 722 is considereda short-range link capable of wirelessly coupling the hearing device 702and a communication device of the configuration parameters source 720.In some embodiments, the second communication link 722 is an out of bandlink relative to the first communication link 732. As will be discussedherein below, a variety of technologies can be employed to establish anout of band link 722 between the hearing device 702 and theconfiguration parameters source 720. In some embodiments, the secondcommunication link 722 is an unsecured link, which relies on closeproximity between the hearing device 702 and the configurationparameters source 722 to preclude eavesdropping. In other embodiments,the second communication link 722 is a secured link.

The hearing device 702 includes electronics 704 which are commonlyincluded in a hearing aid or other hearable. For example, the hearingdevice electronics 704 can include a signal processor, memory, powermanagement circuitry, one or more microphones, and a receiver/speaker,for example. The hearing device 702 also includes communicationcircuitry 712 configured to establish a short-range link 722 with theconfiguration parameters source 720 and a long-range link 732 with theaudio streaming source 730. According to some embodiments, and withreference to FIG. 7B, the communication circuitry 712 can include ashort-range receiver or transceiver 713 and a separate long-rangereceiver or transceiver 715. The hearing device 702 also includes anaudio streaming circuit 706 configured to process an electromagneticaudio stream received from the audio streaming source 730 via the firstcommunication link 732.

Control circuitry 710 cooperates with a configuration circuit 708 toconfigure the hearing device 702 to enable reception of an audio streamtransmitted by the audio streaming source 730. The configuration circuit708 can receive configuration parameters transmitted by theconfiguration parameters source 720 via the second communication link722. Using the received configuration parameters, the control circuitry710 configures the hearing device 702 to enable reception of the audiostream in accordance with the received configuration parameters.

For example, the configuration circuit 708 can configure thecommunication circuitry 712 to establish wireless connectivity with theaudio streaming source 730 using appropriate configuration parameterssuch as transmitter address or frequency, channel hopping sequence,connection interval, program ID, etc. In some implementations, the audiostreaming source 730 can be set to a transmit-only mode, and the hearingdevice 702 can be set to a receiver-only mode. In other implementations,the audio streaming circuit 706 comprises a BLE transceiver and thehearing device 702 can be set to a mode of operation to receivestreaming from a BLE modified-broadcast source. When this mode isinitiated, the hearing device 702 can be programmed with the BLEtransmitter address of a specific audio streaming source 730 from whichaudio streaming will be received. It is noted that the audio streamingsource(s) 730 associated with each room or region of a multicast venuetypically has a unique transmitter address, such as a unique Bluetooth®device address(BD_ADDR). An ID detector 714 of the hearing device 702 isconfigured to detect the program ID incorporated in the audio stream ofinterest. The audio streaming circuit 706 is configured to process audiopackets received by the communication circuitry 712 having a programidentifier corresponding to the program ID detected by the ID detector714.

As was discussed previously, the configuration parameters needed for ahearing device to receive a specified audio stream to the exclusion ofother audio streams at a multicast venue can be acquired by the hearingdevice in a number of different ways. In some embodiments, configurationparameters can be transmitted directly from a configuration parameterssource to the hearing device, which then configures itself to receive aspecified audio stream. In other embodiments, configuration parameterscan be transmitted indirectly from the configuration parameters sourceto a hearing device, such as by use of an intermediary device. Forexample, configuration parameters can be transmitted from aconfiguration parameters source to a portable communication device(e.g., a smartphone), and then from the portable communication device tothe hearing device. In some embodiments, the portable communicationdevice can configure the hearing device to receive a specified audioprogram without having to transfer configuration parameters to thehearing device.

FIG. 8 shows a portable communication device configured to cooperatewith a hearing device to enable reception of a specified audio stream bythe hearing device in accordance with various embodiments. In theillustrative example shown in FIG. 8, the portable communication deviceis represented as a smartphone 810. The smartphone 810 is configured toexecute a venue app 812, which can be downloaded either temporarily orpermanently from an app store, a website, or other app source. Thesmartphone 810 can be used to transfer configuration parameters 805associated with a particular audio program to the hearing device 802 viaan RF link (e.g., a BLE link). The hearing device 802 can configureitself to receive the particular audio program via an RF link (e.g., aBLE link) using the configuration parameters 805 received from thesmartphone 810. It is noted that the smartphone 810 and the hearingdevice 802 are typically paired devices. As was discussed previously,the hearing device 802 need not be paired with the audio streamingsource that transmits the particular audio program at the venue forreception by the hearing device 802.

For example, the wearer of the hearing device 802 may be interested inlistening to an audio program P2 that will be streamed at a particularvenue. The venue app 812 can be used by the wearer prior to arriving atthe venue to select audio program P2, which may involve payment of a feeat some point. In response to selecting audio program P2, the venue app812 can receive configuration parameters from a server 825 that willallow the hearing device 802 to receive the audio program P2 at thevenue. The configuration parameters can be specific to the audio programP2 (e.g., program code P2 _(ID)) and the day and time of the broadcast.In a scenario in which a BLE modified-program is broadcasted at thevenue, the configuration parameters transferred from the server 825 tothe smartphone 810 can include a program code (e.g., P2 _(ID)),transmitter address or frequency, channel hopping sequence, connectioninterval, etc.

Preselection of the audio program P2 using the smartphone 810 allows thesmartphone's BLE link (e.g., short range, and optionally encrypted,link) to transmit the configuration parameters 805 to the hearing device802 when arriving at the venue. For example, and assuming the wearer ofthe hearing device 802 has arrived at the venue, the venue app 812 canbe used by the wearer to transfer the configuration parameters to thehearing device 802 at the appropriate time, which in turn configures thehearing device 802 to receive the selected audio program P2 from anaudio streaming source at the venue. When leaving the venue at theconclusion of the audio program P2, the venue app 812 can be used toterminate the BLE link to the audio streaming source, allowing normalhearing device function to resume.

The venue app 812 operating on the smartphone 810 can acquire hearingdevice configuration information in a number of different ways.According to one approach, the wearer of the hearing device 802 canreceive a code at the venue, such as at a ticket counter or anelectronic kiosk. The code can be a numerical code or an alphanumericcode. For example, the code can be the room ID at the venue where thedesired audio program will be broadcasted. The user can input the code820 into the venue app 812 using the keys or voice interface of thesmartphone 810. In response to the user input code 820, the venue app812 can obtain the appropriate configuration parameters 805 for theselected audio program (e.g., P2) from the server 825. At theappropriate time, such as immediately before the audio program begins,the venue app 812 can be used to enable the smartphone's BLE link totransmit the configuration parameters 805 to the hearing device 802. Thehearing device 802 configures itself or is configured by the smartphone810 to enable reception of the selected audio program in the form of amodified broadcast (e.g., P2+P2 _(ID)). At the conclusion of the audioprogram, the venue app 812 can be used to terminate the BLE link to theaudio streaming source, allowing resumption of normal hearing devicefunction.

The venue app 812 can acquire hearing device configuration informationusing the camera of the smartphone 810 in accordance with variousembodiments. The smartphone's camera can be used to read (e.g., scan orphotograph) a configuration barcode 822 (e.g., a QR code) at a ticketcounter or an electronic kiosk in the venue lobby, for example. Thevenue app 812 can obtain the appropriate configuration parameters 805for the selected audio program (e.g., P2) from the server 825 using theconfiguration barcode 822. In another embodiment, the configurationbarcode 822 can itself incorporate the configuration parameters neededby the venue app 812 to configure the hearing device 802 to receive thedesired modified broadcast. In a further embodiment, the venue app 812can receive an RF configuration code 824 transmitted by a beacon at thevenue. The RF configuration code 824 can be used by the venue app 812 toacquire the appropriate configuration parameters from a server 825 orprovide the necessary configuration parameters without having to accessthe server 825. Configuring the hearing device 802 for reception of amodified broadcast and subsequently resuming normal hearing devicefunction can be implemented in a manner described above.

FIG. 9 illustrates a hearing device that can receive configurationparameters from a beacon situated at a multicast venue in accordancewith various embodiments. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, a beacon901 can be situated at a configuration location of the venue, which maybe in a lobby or at an entrance of a room or region of the venue. Forexample, the beacon 901 can be situated in a kiosk, a ticket counter ora wall or other structure of the lobby or room/region (e.g., roomentrance). The beacon 901 includes a configuration parameters sourcethat transfers appropriate configuration information (e.g., forreceiving audio program P1) to a hearing device 902 that passes nearby(e.g., within ˜2 m). After completion of the configuration informationtransfer, the hearing device 902 configures itself to enable receptionof a selected audio program (e.g., P1). The wearer of the hearing device902 proceeds into the appropriate presentation room (playback location)where the selected audio program (e.g., P1) is received and played backin the wearer's ears.

For example, the venue may include a number of different presentationrooms, and a beacon 901 may be situated at each room entrance. In animplementation in which the beacon 901 is provided at a lobby kiosk, aselected audio program or presentation room is selected (e.g., afterpaying a fee) so that the configuration parameters transferred to thehearing device 902 in the lobby are specific to the desired audioprogram or presentation room (e.g., playback location). In animplementation in which the beacon 901 is provided at the entrance of apresentation room, selecting an audio program or presentation room isnot needed since the hearing device 902 is automatically configured bythe beacon 901 at the room entrance. In general, the beacon 901 emitsaudio program-specific configuration parameters 905 that can be detectedby a hearing device 902 in close proximity (e.g., ˜2 m) with the beacon901. This close proximity requirement serves to preclude eavesdroppingbetween the beacon 901 and any other hearing devices or other portablecommunication devices that may be nearby.

According to one embodiment, the beacon 901 may include an acousticsource 910 which can generate a predetermined acoustic patterncontaining configuration parameter information. The microphone(s) 920 ofthe hearing device 902 receives the acoustic pattern, and electronics ofthe hearing device 902 decode the configuration parameter informationencoded in the acoustic pattern. In another embodiment, the beacon 901may include a near-field magnetic induction (NFMI) source 912 which cangenerate and magnetic signal containing configuration parameterinformation. The hearing device 902 can include in an NFMI sensor 922which receives the magnetic signal, and electronics of the hearingdevice 902 extracts the configuration parameter information encoded inthe magnetic signal. In a further embodiment, the beacon 901 may includean induction source 914 which can cooperate with an inductive rechargecoil 924 of the hearing device 902 to generate a signal in the rechargecoil 924 encoded with configuration parameter information. Electronicsof the hearing device 902 can decode the configuration parameterinformation encoded in the induced signal.

In some embodiments, the beacon 901 may include a magnetic source 916which can cooperate with a tunnel magnetoresistance (TMR) or a giantmagnetoresistance (GMR) sensor 926 provided within the hearing device902. Configuration parameter information can be transmitted from themagnetic source 916 to the TMR or GMR sensor 926 of the hearing device902. Electronics of the hearing device 902 can extract the configurationinformation from the magnetic sensor output. The beacon 901 may includean RF source 918 which can transmit configuration parameter informationto an RF receiver 928 (e.g., Bluetooth® Low Energy receiver) in thehearing device 902. Electronics of the hearing device 902 can extractthe configuration parameter information from the RF signal received fromthe RF source 918.

In one embodiment, the RF source 918 of the beacon 901 can be configuredto generate an envelope-modulated data stream, and the hearing device902 can include a demodulator 929 that decodes the envelope modulation.For example, the RF source 918 can include an AM modulator thatamplitude modulates a data stream produced by a BLE transceiver of theRF source 918. The hearing device 902 can include an AM demodulator 929that extracts the configuration information from the received AM datastream. In this example, BLE protocol need not be used, and the AM datastream may not be a BLE compliant data stream. According to someembodiments, the RF source 918 can generate a frequency modulated (FM)data stream, and an FM demodulator 929 of the hearing device 902 canextract the configuration information from the received FM data stream.

Embodiments of the disclosure described hereinabove can be implementedfor use in a wide variety of scenarios. Representative use scenariosinclude movie theaters, live theaters, concert halls, museums, churches,classrooms, conference and meeting rooms, arenas and stadiums, medicaloffices, amusement parks, airports, train stations, and othertransportation hubs. Other representative use scenarios includeticketing windows, store checkout counters, taxicabs, buses, other motorcoaches, airplanes, trains, other types of transportation, car radioaudio, and home entertainment systems. In the context of homeentertainment systems for example, embodiments can enable a hearingdevice user from not hearing neighbors or preventing neighbors fromlistening in.

Further representative use scenarios include companion microphonemulticasting, such as audio tour guides, and public address systemsconfigured to communicate a modified broadcast to hearing devices (e.g.,hearing aids). For example, two or three channels of a public addresssystem can be dedicated strictly for public address announcements, andhearing devices can be configured to automatically play these channelswhen an alert stream is being broadcasted.

For example, a multiplicity of broadcasts may be available within thesame region, such as a theater or a convention hall booth. There may bemultiple broadcasts for various different languages. In such a scenario,a hearing device would know which language identifier it should belooking for based on how the hearing device has been programmed (via anout-of-band configuration source) to meet the needs/preferences of thewearer. As another example, a hearing device may receive gate-specificconfiguration parameters from an out-of-band configuration source at ornear a particular gate at an airport. The hearing device would look forcommunications specific to the particular gate in public addressannouncements broadcasted in the airport. As was discussed previously,intermediary devices can be used to implement embodiments of thedisclosure, such as headsets, neck loop receivers, and BLE compatibletablets and phones, for example.

Another representative use scenario can involve a plurality ofoverlapping audio broadcast channels in one room/region or streamingsituation, including streams intended solely for recipients who arehearing impaired. It is known that people who are hearing impaired mayhave difficulty understanding speech in the presence of noise anddistracting events. This can be true for both acoustic and streamedinput. Moreover, hearing-aid sound quality is subjective and can vary,even between people with similar hearing loss profiles. In someembodiments, certain ‘hearing impaired only’ broadcast channels can becreated and/or prepared for each user, either on a general orindividualized basis using the audiogram and/or other measures of theuser's state and/or the source material. Processing applied to theseaudio streams can include, but is not be limited to, compressiveamplification, dynamic range expansion, noise reduction, pitchadjustment/frequency lowering, binaural spatial enhancement and/orspeech enhancement algorithms. These processing methods may be appliedusing a DSP provided within the transmitter and/or receiver. The usermay wish to control the channel selection or facets of the signalprocessing applied to a channel using a plurality of user interfaces.Embodiments can extend to hearing device wearers who do not have ameasurable hearing impairment but still wish to benefit fromenhancements of the source material. Such source material can include,but is not limited to, motion picture audio, airport gate announcements,church services or other places of public gathering that have publicaddress system(s).

A modified-broadcast scheme in accordance with the present disclosurecan also be leveraged to transmit other information to assist thehearing impaired user. For example, additional information can be usedin the context of audio streaming or in the context of a sensor network.Additional capabilities include transmitting and receiving closedcaptioning data and streaming video or other cues to a remote device.Other capabilities include transmitting data regarding the locationand/or tracking of the hearing device, which can allow for customizedhead-related transfer functions (HRTF) to be applied to the audiostream. Data regarding the location and/or tracking of the hearingdevice can also allow for location-dependent filter coefficients to beapplied by the hearing device based upon known impulse room responses.

FIGS. 10-12 are directed to embodiments in which communication between ahearing device and an audio or program source is secured using acryptographic key acquired by the hearing device via an out of bandcommunication link. In various embodiments, a hearing device isconfigured to enable reception of audio streaming via a secured firstcommunication link in response to receiving a cryptographic key (e.g., alink key or a session key) via a second communication link. In general,audio streaming is received by the hearing device via a long-rangecommunication link (e.g., ≥10 m), and the cryptographic key is receivedby the hearing device via a short-range communication link (e.g., ≤2 m).In some embodiments, the long-range communication link can be aBluetooth® link (e.g., a Bluetooth® 5 link), such as a BLE link.

Referring to FIG. 10, a hearing device, HD_(A), is shown communicatingwith an audio/program source 1002 and a configuration parameters source1010. In the use scenario shown in FIG. 10, the wearer of the hearingdevice, HD_(A), may wish to receive an audio program or establish verbalcommunications with the audio/program source 1002. When broadcastingaudio, the audio/program source 1002 generates an audio field 1004 whichis receivable by the hearing device, HD_(A), and other communicationdevices (e.g., other hearing devices and/or smartphones).

In order to prevent unsecured reception of the audio program or verbalcommunications within the audio field 1004, the hearing device, HD_(A),is configured to receive a cryptographic key from the configurationparameters source 1010, which is typically situated in the vicinity ofthe audio/program source 1002. In some implementations, theconfiguration parameters source 1010 can be part of or immediatelyproximate the audio/program source 1002 (e.g., at a bank teller stationor drive-up window). In other implementations, the configurationparameters source 1010 can be situated in or at a structure (e.g., akiosk or a ticket counter) that is physically separate from theaudio/program source 1002 (e.g., a transmitter in a theater).

For illustrative purposes, the cryptographic key will be referred to asa link key, which may be a session key. The configuration parameterssource 1010 can be integral to the audio/program source 1002 or linkedvia a hardwired or secured wireless connection. The audio/program source1002 can generate the link key and cooperate with the configurationparameters source 1010 to transmit the link key to the hearing device,HD_(A). The hearing device, HD_(A), is configured to receive the linkkey from the configuration parameters source 1010 via a short-range(e.g., ˜2 m) out of band link 1012, examples of which are describedherein below. After the hearing device, HD_(A), receives the link key, apairing process with the audio/program source 1002 can ensue.

After completion of the pairing process, a secured communication link(e.g., communication link 1014) is established between the hearingdevice, HD_(A), and the audio/program source 1002. The wearer of thehearing device, HD_(A), can move freely within the audio field 1004 andremain connected with the audio/program source 1002 via the securedcommunication link 1014. Because other personal communication deviceswithin the audio field 1004 in the illustrative example of FIG. 10 donot possess the link key, these devices are unable to receive the audioprogram and/or verbal communications from the audio/program source 1002.

FIG. 11 illustrates a hearing device 1102 configured to communicate withan audio streaming system 1120 in accordance with various embodiments.The audio streaming system 1120 shown in FIG. 11 includes aconfiguration parameters source 1130, a link key generator 1150, anencryption/decryption circuit 1160, an audio streaming source 1170, andcommunication circuitry 1180. Either the audio streaming system 1120 orthe hearing device 1102 can initiate security procedures before acommunication link is established between the two entities. According tosome embodiments, the link key generator 1150 is configured to generatea secret link key the first time the audio streaming source 1170 and thehearing device 1102 communicate. The configuration parameters source1130 is configured to transmit the link key to the hearing device 1102via an out of band, short-range communication link 1103.

Communication circuitry 1104 of the hearing device 1102 is configured toestablish the out of band communication link 1103, referred to as asecond communication link, with the configuration parameters source 1130of the audio streaming system 1120. As will be described herein below,the design of the communication circuitry 1104 can vary in terms ofstructure and function depending on the type of communication deviceincorporated in the configuration parameters source 1130. Aftertransferring the link key from the configuration parameters source 1132to the hearing device 1102 via the second communication link 1103, andafter successful pairing, the first communication link 1107 isestablished between the hearing device 1102 and the audio streamingsystem 1120.

According to various embodiments, the encryption/decryption circuit 1160of the audio streaming system 1120 encrypts audio payload using the linkkey for transmission to the hearing device 1102 via the communicationcircuitry 1180. Encrypted audio payload is transmitted from thecommunication circuitry 1180 to the communication circuitry 1104 of thehearing device 1102 via the first communication channel 1107. Afterreceiving the encrypted audio payload, an encryption/decryption circuit1106 of the hearing device 1102 decrypts the received audio payload. Thedecrypted audio payload can then be played back to the wearer of thehearing device 1102. It is noted that, although FIG. 11 shows a singlehearing device 1102 communicating with the audio streaming system 1120,a typical hearing device wearer will use a pair of hearing devices 1102,one for each ear. The link key is preferably transmitted to both hearingdevices 1102 in a manner previously described. In some embodiments, afirst of a pair of hearing devices can be configured to receive the linkkey. A second of the pair of hearing devices can be configured toreceive the link key from the first hearing device, via adevice-to-device (e.g., ear-to-ear) secure communication link.

In some embodiments, in addition to the link key, metadata can betransferred from the audio streaming system 1120 the hearing device 1102via the out of band link 1103. The metadata can include informationregarding the nature or use of the audio content transmitted from theaudio streaming system 1120 to the hearing device 1102. For example, thewearer of the hearing device 1102 may purchase a ticket for a given showat a cinema or other venue. The metadata can include the duration of anevent that the hearing device user is authorized to listen to thecontent, thereby preventing unauthorized listening to content beyond thepurchased ticket duration.

The link key can be disabled at the end of the event, such as by way ofa long-distance wireless link. Also, the link key can be changeperiodically during the audio transmission in which case the user wouldneed to refresh the link key. Once the event is completed, the link keypreferably becomes inactive. Various mechanisms to expire the link keycan be implemented to prevent eavesdropping. It is noted that anear-to-ear link could be used to ensure that hearing devices in bothears have received the link key initially by communication between thetwo devices and to synchronize the disabling of the key at the end ofthe authorized time.

As was discussed previously, the out of band link 1103 between the audiostreaming system 1120 and the hearing device 1102 is preferably ashort-range link, such as on the order of about two meters or less. Theclose proximity required to support the out of band link 1103 serves topreclude eavesdropping by other hearing devices or other portablecommunication devices in proximity with the audio streaming system 1120during the time in which a link key is acquired by the hearing device1102. According to one embodiment, the configuration parameters source1130 can include an NFMI source 1132 which can generate a magneticsignal containing the link key. The communication circuitry 1104 of thehearing device 1102 can include an NFMI sensor which receives themagnetic signal via the short-range link 1103. Electronics of thehearing device 1102 can extract the link key encoded in the receivedmagnetic signal.

In some embodiments, the configuration parameters source 1130 caninclude an inductive source 1134 which cooperates with an inductive coil(e.g., recharge coil) of the hearing device 1102 to generate a signal inthe inductive coil encoded with the link key. Electronics of the hearingdevice 1102 can decode the link key encoded in the induced signaltransmitted via the short-range link 1103. In other embodiments, theconfiguration parameters source 1130 can include an acoustic source1136, such as an ultrasonic source. The link key can be transmitted fromthe acoustic source 1136 to the microphone 1108 or tele-coil (not shown)of the hearing device 1102 via the short-range link 1103. The link keycan be extracted from the acoustic signal produced by the acousticsource 1136.

In some embodiments, the configuration parameters source 1130 caninclude a magnetic source 1138 which can cooperate with a magneticsensor (e.g., TMR sensor GMR) provided within the communicationcircuitry 1104 of the hearing device 1102. The link key can betransmitted from the magnetic source 1138 to the magnetic sensor of thehearing device 1102 via the short-range link 1103, and electronics ofthe hearing device 1102 can extract the link key from the magneticsensor output. In further embodiments, the configuration parameterssource 1130 can include an RF source 1140 which can transmit the linkkey to an RF receiver (e.g., Bluetooth® receiver) in the hearing device1102 using a short-range AM or FM technique previously described via theshort-range link 1103. Electronics of the hearing device 1102 canextract the link key from the RF signal received from the RF source1140.

In another embodiment, an audio modem 1142 of the configurationparameters source 1130 can be used to communicate a link key to thehearing device 1102 via the short range link 1103. According to oneapproach, a tele-coil of the configuration parameters source 1130 can beused to send the link key as a DTMF or FSK modulated signal generated bythe audio modem 1142. A tele-coil of the communications circuitry 1104at the hearing device 1102 can receive the modulated signal. In otherembodiments, the modulated signal produced by the audio modem 1142 canbe sent audibly to the hearing device 1102 using the embeddedmicrophone(s) 1108. In further embodiments, a modulated signal producedby the audio modem 1142 can be sent to both the tele-coil and embeddedmicrophone(s) 1108 of the hearing device 1102. In such embodiments,validating proper receipt of the link key can require receipt of theidentical link key via both the tele-coil and the embedded microphone(s)1108. In some embodiments, an optical source 1144 of the configurationparameters source 1130 can be used to communicate a link key to thehearing device 1102 via the short range link 1103. For example, theoptical source 1144 can transmit an infrared signal containing the linkkey to an optical receiver of the hearing device 1102.

Embodiments of the disclosure that involve use of a link key areparticularly useful in scenarios where secured communications between anaudio streaming source and one or more hearing devices is required dueto the confidential or sensitive nature of the audio content beingtransmitted or requirements imposed by digital rights management rules.For example, broadcasting of audio content in a cinema or live theaterscenario may require adherence to digital rights management rules, inwhich audio must be sent securely to only those persons who have paidfor the experience. The above-described methods of transferringtemporary link keys (e.g., session keys) between an audio streamingsource and a multiplicity of hearing devices can facilitate compliancewith digital rights management rules and security requirements.

FIG. 12 illustrates an embodiment in which a smartphone 1210 serves asan intermediary device for transmitting a link key from an audiostreaming system 1220 to a hearing device 1202. The audio streamingsystem 1220 includes many of the components shown in the embodiment ofFIG. 11, including a configuration parameters source 1230, a link keygenerator 1250, an encryption/decryption circuit 1260, an audiostreaming source 1270, and communication circuitry 1280. The hearingdevice 1202 includes many of the components shown in the embodiment ofFIG. 11, including communication circuitry 1204 and anencryption/decryption circuit 1206. The smartphone 1210 can be pairedwith the hearing device 1202, thus establishing a secured communicationlink 1205 (e.g., a BLE link) between the two devices. Because thesmartphone 1210 is typically held in the wearer's hand during theconnection procedure, the communication link 1205 between the smartphone1210 and the hearing device 1202 is considered a short-rangecommunication link (≤˜2 m).

According to some embodiments, an optical key code 1214 can be scannedor photographed using the camera of the smartphone 1210. The optical keycode 1214 can be a bar code or a QR code, for example. The smartphone1210 uses the scanned or photographed optical key code 1214 to generatea link key, which is then transmitted to the communication circuitry1204 (e.g., BLE transceiver) of the hearing device 1202. It isunderstood that the configuration parameters source 1230 of the audiostreaming system 1220 has the same link key as that read by thesmartphone 1210. Having received the link key, a secured long-rangecommunication link 1207 can be established between the hearing device1202 and the audio streaming system 1220. As was discussed previously,encrypted audio payload can be streamed from the audio streaming system1220 to the hearing device 1202 for decryption and play back to thewearer, such as for a duration of time indicated by metadata that canaccompany the optical key code 1214 read by the smartphone 1210.

According to other embodiments, the wearer of the hearing device 1202can receive a key code 1212 from a verbal or visual source, such as froma ticket agent or a kiosk display. The key code 1212 can be keyed intothe smartphone 1210 by the wearer. The smartphone 1210 uses the manuallyinput key code 1212 to generate a link key corresponding to the key code1212, which is then transmitted to the communication circuitry 1204 ofthe hearing device 1202. Audio streaming from the audio streaming system1220 to the hearing device 1202 can ensue after pairing with the hearingdevice 1202 in a manner described previously.

In another embodiment, the configuration parameters source 1230 of theaudio streaming system 1220 can transmit a short-range RF signal thatincludes a key code 1216 via a second communication link 1203 (e.g., BLElink) to the smartphone 1210. The power of the short-range RF signalthat includes the key code 1216 can be limited such that it has a rangeof reception limited to about 2 m. The smartphone 1210 can then transferthe link key to the communication circuitry 1204 the hearing device1202. Audio streaming from the audio streaming system 1220 to thehearing device 1202 can ensue after pairing with the hearing device 1202in a manner described hereinabove.

According to some embodiments, various hearing device operations orstates can trigger one or more events involving the hearing deviceand/or a smartphone that interacts with the hearing device. For example,receiving configuration parameters, initiating reception of a selectedaudio program, receiving a link key, and/or terminating a link key cantrigger one or more events involving the hearing device and/or thesmartphone. For example, the smartphone can be automatically muted atthe beginning of an audio program then unmuted at the conclusion of theaudio program (e.g., a smartphone should not be allowed to ring in atheater environment). The mode of the hearing device can be adjustedbased on characteristics of the venue or the audio program. For example,the hearing device can be placed in a more linear mode at a musicconcert or an opera to better capture source dynamics. In a rock concertscenario, the hearing device can be placed in a more compressed state,following guidance for safe noise dosage for example.

By way of further example, a museum exhibit may be set-up such that ahearing device wearer moves from one exhibit area to another. Eachexhibit area can have its own audio stream to provide the hearing devicewearer with information on that exhibit. Devices can be placed at theentrance to each exhibit to trigger a change from the previous exhibitaudio stream to an upcoming exhibit audio stream. The device used totrigger the change in the stream can be of a variety of communicationsas described earlier.

In another representative scenario, audio can be streamed to a hearingdevice wearer, but the hearing device can be directed to also keep itsmicrophones on so the wearer has access to acoustic information withinthe environment (e.g., when driving a car and listening to the radio,when receiving a stream from a remote microphone of one person but whereother communication partners who aren't “mic-ed up” are also present,etc.). This is in contrast to a movie theater where environmentalacoustics would be undesirable and the microphones on the devices couldbe muted. The user's experience can also be influenced based upon howthe hearing device(s) are programmed to meet the needs/preferences ofthe end user.

This document discloses numerous embodiments, including but not limitedto the following:

Item 1 is a hearing device adapted for use by a wearer, the hearingdevice comprising:

an audio streaming circuit configured to receive electromagnetic audiostreaming via a first communication link;

a configuration circuit configured to receive configuration parametersvia a second communication link different from the first communicationlink for configuring the hearing device to receive the electromagneticaudio streaming; and

control circuitry that configures the hearing device to enable receptionof the electromagnetic audio streaming in accordance with the receivedconfiguration parameters.

Item 2 is the hearing device of item 1, wherein the second communicationlink is an out of band link.

Item 3 is the hearing device of item 1, wherein:

the first communication link comprises a long-range communication linkconfigured to communicatively couple an electromagnetic audio streamingsource and the hearing device; and

the second communication link comprises a short-range communication linkconfigured to communicatively couple a source of the configurationparameters and the hearing device.

Item 4 is the hearing device of item 1, wherein:

the audio streaming circuit comprises a Bluetooth® Low Energytransceiver for establishing the first communication link; and

the hearing device comprises a second communication device configured toestablish an out of band link as the second communication link.

Item 5 is the hearing device of item 1, wherein:

the hearing device comprises a magnetic sensor; and

the second communication link comprises a link between a source of theconfiguration parameters and the magnetic sensor.

Item 6 is the hearing device of item 1, wherein:

the configuration parameters are encoded in an acoustic or ultrasonicsignal; and

the second communication link comprises a link between a source of theacoustic or ultrasonic signal and a microphone of the hearing device.

Item 7 is the hearing device of item 1, wherein:

the hearing device comprises a demodulator;

the configuration parameters are encoded in a modulated signal receivedby the hearing device via the second communication link; and

the demodulator is configured to demodulate the modulated signal toextract the configuration parameters.

Item 8 is the hearing device of item 1, wherein:

the second communication link comprises a link between the hearingdevice and a portable communication device; and

the configuration parameters received by the hearing device from theportable communication device are determined based on configurationinformation received by the portable communication device.

Item 9 is the hearing device of item 1, wherein the configurationcircuit is configured to receive configuration parameters via the secondcommunication link established between the hearing device and a beaconwhen the hearing device is within a predetermined distance from thebeacon.

Item 10 is the hearing device of item 1, wherein:

the configuration parameters comprise a predetermined stream identifier;

the audio streaming circuit is configured to receive stream identifiersfor a plurality of electromagnetic audio streams;

the configuration circuit is configured to select an electromagneticaudio stream from the plurality of electromagnetic audio streams thatincludes the predetermined stream identifier; and

the control circuitry configures the hearing device to receive theselected electromagnetic audio stream and play the selected audio streamto the wearer's ear.

Item 11 is the hearing device of item 10, wherein the hearing device iscommunicatively coupled to an audio streaming source that outputs theselected audio stream without pairing with the audio streaming source.

Item 12 is the hearing device of item 10, wherein the control circuitryis configured to modify operation of the hearing device in response to atriggering event associated with communicative coupling between thehearing device and an audio streaming source that outputs the selectedaudio stream.

Item 13 is the hearing device of item 1, wherein:

the hearing device comprises a decryption circuit; and

the configuration parameters comprise a key usable by the decryptioncircuit to enable decryption of an encrypted audio stream received bythe audio streaming circuit.

Item 14 is the hearing device of item 13, wherein the control circuitryis configured to disable the key in response to a predetermined event.

Item 15 is a method of communications for a hearing device configuredfor use by a wearer, comprising:

receiving electromagnetic audio streaming by the hearing device via afirst communication link;

receiving configuration parameters by the hearing device via a secondcommunication link different from the first communication link; and

configuring the hearing device to enable reception of theelectromagnetic audio streaming in accordance with the receivedconfiguration parameters.

Item 16 is the method of item 15, wherein:

the first communication link comprises a long-range communication linkconfigured to communicatively couple an electromagnetic audio streamingsource and the hearing device; and

the second communication link comprises a short-range out of bandcommunication link configured to communicatively couple a source of theconfiguration parameters and the hearing device.

Item 17 is the method of item 15, wherein:

the configuration parameters comprise a predetermined stream identifier;

receiving electromagnetic audio streaming comprises receiving streamidentifiers for a plurality of electromagnetic audio streams;

the method further comprises selecting an electromagnetic audio streamfrom the plurality of electromagnetic audio streams that includes thepredetermined stream identifier; and

configuring the hearing device comprises configuring the hearing deviceto receive the selected electromagnetic audio stream and play theselected audio stream to the wearer's ear.

Item 18 is the method of item 15, wherein the electromagnetic audiostreaming is received by the hearing device without being paired to asource of the electromagnetic audio streaming.

Item 19 is the method of item 15, wherein:

the configuration parameters comprise a decryption key; and

the method comprises decrypting the received audio streaming using thekey.

Item 20 is the method of item 19, comprising disabling the key inresponse to a predetermined event.

Although the subject matter has been described in language specific tostructural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understoodthat the subject matter defined in the appended claims is notnecessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above.Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed asrepresentative forms of implementing the claims.

1. A hearing device adapted for use by a wearer, the hearing devicecomprising: a decryption circuit; an audio streaming circuit configuredto establish wireless connectivity with an electromagnetic audiostreaming source via a first communication link, the audio streamingcircuit configured to receive an encrypted audio stream from theelectromagnetic audio streaming source via the first communication link;a configuration circuit configured to receive configuration parametersvia a second communication link different from the first communicationlink for configuring the hearing device to receive electromagnetic audiostreaming from the electromagnetic audio streaming source via the firstcommunication link, the configuration parameters comprising a key usableby the decryption circuit to enable decryption of the encrypted audiostream; and control circuitry that configures the hearing device toenable reception of the electromagnetic audio streaming and to decryptthe encrypted audio stream using the key.
 2. The hearing device of claim1, wherein the second communication link is an out of band link.
 3. Thehearing device of claim 1, wherein: the first communication linkcomprises a long-range communication link configured to communicativelycouple the electromagnetic audio streaming source and the hearingdevice; and the second communication link comprises a short-rangecommunication link configured to communicatively couple a source of theconfiguration parameters and the hearing device.
 4. The hearing deviceof claim 1, wherein: the audio streaming circuit comprises a Bluetooth®Low Energy transceiver for establishing the first communication link;and the hearing device comprises a second communication deviceconfigured to establish an out of band link as the second communicationlink.
 5. The hearing device of claim 1, wherein: the hearing devicecomprises a magnetic or optical sensor; and the second communicationlink comprises a link between a source of the configuration parametersand the magnetic or optical sensor.
 6. The hearing device of claim 1,wherein: the configuration parameters are encoded in an acoustic orultrasonic signal; and the second communication link comprises a linkbetween a source of the acoustic or ultrasonic signal and a microphoneof the hearing device.
 7. The hearing device of claim 1, wherein: thehearing device comprises a demodulator; the configuration parameters areencoded in a modulated signal received by the hearing device via thesecond communication link; and the demodulator is configured todemodulate the modulated signal to extract the configuration parameters.8. The hearing device of claim 1, wherein: the second communication linkcomprises a link between the hearing device and a portable communicationdevice; and the configuration parameters received by the hearing devicefrom the portable communication device are determined based onconfiguration information received by the portable communication device.9. The hearing device of claim 1, wherein the configuration circuit isconfigured to receive configuration parameters via the secondcommunication link established between the hearing device and a beaconwhen the hearing device is within a predetermined distance from thebeacon.
 10. The hearing device of claim 1, wherein the control circuitryis configured to disable the key in response to a predetermined event.11. The hearing device of claim 1, wherein: the configuration parameterscomprise a predetermined stream identifier; the audio streaming circuitis configured to receive stream identifiers for a plurality of encryptedelectromagnetic audio streams; the configuration circuit is configuredto select an encrypted electromagnetic audio stream from the pluralityof encrypted electromagnetic audio streams that includes thepredetermined stream identifier; and the control circuitry configuresthe hearing device to receive the selected encrypted electromagneticaudio stream, decrypt the selected encrypted audio stream using the key,and play the selected decrypted audio stream to the wearer's ear.
 12. Ahearing device adapted for use by a wearer, the hearing devicecomprising: a decryption circuit; an audio streaming circuit configuredto establish wireless connectivity with an electromagnetic audiostreaming source via a first communication link, the audio streamingcircuit configured to receive an encrypted audio stream from theelectromagnetic audio streaming source via the first communication link;a configuration circuit configured to receive a key via a second out ofband communication link different from the first communication link, thekey usable by the decryption circuit to enable decryption of theencrypted audio stream; and control circuitry that configures thehearing device to decrypt the encrypted audio stream using the key andto play back the decrypted audio stream to the wearer's ear.
 13. Thehearing device of claim 1, wherein: the first communication linkcomprises a long-range communication link configured to communicativelycouple the electromagnetic audio streaming source and the hearingdevice; and the second out of band communication link comprises ashort-range communication link configured to communicatively couple asource of the key and the hearing device.
 14. The hearing device ofclaim 1, wherein: the hearing device comprises a magnetic or opticalsensor; and the second out of band communication link comprises a linkbetween a source of the key and the magnetic or optical sensor.
 15. Thehearing device of claim 1, wherein: the key is encoded in an acoustic orultrasonic signal; and the second out of band communication linkcomprises a link between a source of the acoustic or ultrasonic signaland a microphone of the hearing device.
 16. The hearing device of claim1, wherein: the hearing device comprises a demodulator; the key isencoded in a modulated signal received by the hearing device via thesecond out of band communication link; and the demodulator is configuredto demodulate the modulated signal to extract the key.
 17. The hearingdevice of claim 1, wherein the configuration circuit is configured toreceive the key via the second out of band communication linkestablished between the hearing device and a beacon when the hearingdevice is within a predetermined distance from the beacon.
 18. Thehearing device of claim 1, wherein the control circuitry is configuredto disable the key in response to a predetermined event.
 19. A method ofcommunications for a hearing device configured for use by a wearer,comprising: establishing wireless connectivity between anelectromagnetic audio streaming source and the hearing device via afirst communication link; receiving, by the hearing device, an encryptedaudio stream from the electromagnetic audio streaming source via thefirst communication link; receiving, by the hearing device, a key via asecond out of band communication link different from the firstcommunication link, the key usable by the hearing device to enabledecryption of the encrypted audio stream; decrypting the encrypted audiostream using the key; and playing back the decrypted audio stream to thewearer's ear.
 20. The method of claim 19, wherein: the firstcommunication link comprises a long-range communication link configuredto communicatively couple the electromagnetic audio streaming source andthe hearing device; and the second out of band communication linkcomprises a short-range communication link configured to communicativelycouple a source of the key and the hearing device.
 21. The method ofclaim 19, comprising disabling the key in response to a predeterminedevent.
 22. The method of claim 19, comprising: receiving, by the hearingdevice, stream identifiers for a plurality of audio streams, theplurality of audio streams comprising at least one encrypted audiostream; receiving, by the hearing device, a predetermined streamidentifier from the electromagnetic audio streaming source via the firstcommunication link; selecting, by the hearing device, an audio streamfrom the plurality of audio streams that includes the predeterminedstream identifier; receiving, by the hearing device, the selected audiostream; decrypting, in response to the selected audio streamconstituting the at least one encrypted audio stream, the selectedencrypted audio stream using the key; and playing back the selecteddecrypted audio stream to the wearer's ear.